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Arun Choral Society Raises £3,200 for Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity 

Arun Choral Society has raised an incredible £3,200 for Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity after selecting the charity as its Charity of the Year for 2025/2026, benefitting from donations collected at a series of concerts held at Arundel Cathedral. 

Throughout the partnership, Arun Choral Society performed a number of concerts, culminating in an unforgettable performance of Mendelssohn’s Elijah, the powerful oratorio telling the dramatic story of the prophet Elijah. 

Funds were raised through generous donations from choir members, their friends and family, as well as collections taken before and after performances. Every pound raised will help fund Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity’s music therapy programme, supporting children under five with cerebral palsy, rare genetic disorders, chromosome abnormalities and other motor learning impairments. 

Maggie Somerset, Chair of Arun Choral Society, said: 

“Our members have thoroughly enjoyed raising funds for Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity throughout the year. As choristers, we understand the profound impact that music can have on people’s lives, so it is especially rewarding to know that the funds raised will support music therapy for babies and young children. We would like to thank everyone who attended our concerts and contributed so generously.” 

Chair of Arun Choral Society presenting a cheque to a member of staff for DVLCC.

Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity relies entirely on the generosity of its supporters and receives no statutory funding. The charity now supports more than 100 children and their families each week through specialist early intervention therapies and family support. 

Glenys Creese, CEO of Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity, said: 

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone at Arun Choral Society for their wonderful support over the past year. Raising £3,200 for our music therapy programme is an amazing achievement. Music therapy plays such an important role in helping children communicate, build confidence and connect with the world around them. As a charity that receives no statutory funding, support like this enables us to continue providing life-changing early intervention to children and families when they need it most. Thank you to the choir and everyone who attended the concerts for their generosity.” 

An image of Arundel Catherdral filled with people listening to a choir.

Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity would like to thank everyone who attended the concerts and donated throughout the year. Their support will make a lasting difference to local children and families. 

Tickets for Arun Choral Society’s next performance are available now. To find out more and book tickets, visit the link below.

See how donations like this make a difference to children’s lives:

 

 

 

The charity provided us with hope, structure, and a community when we needed it most.

– Khanya, Alissa’s Mum

After being unable to leave hospital for 8 months, Alissa was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called Noonan syndrome. She has made huge progress at DVLCC.

Alissa, 2 years old

A young girl with Noonan Syndrome is reaching for the camera, she is in a brightly coloured room and wearing a great top.

With the help of the wonderful team, Jonas is constantly building his strength, stability and motor skills as well as social skills and independence.

– Jonas’ Mum, Kate

Jonas was born with an extra chromosome that causes Down Syndrome leading to delays in his development. With the support of the service team at DVLCC, Jonas has taken his first independent steps within 5 months of being here!

Jonas’ Story

A young boy with downs syndrome stand with a small ladder looking back at the camera

From the very beginning, the charity’s positive approach, focusing on what a child can do rather than what they can’t, has allowed Matilda to thrive in a supportive and encouraging environment.

– Matilda’s mum, Lizzy

Matilda was diagnosed with PVL which led to her developing cerebral palsy. Since coming to DVLCC she has grown in both confidence and ability.

Matilda, 3 years old

A young girl with cerebral palsy looks at the camera while playing with blocks.